Free dispersed camping in forested terrain near Ashland draws road-trippers and hikers who want a low-commitment overnight stop close to I-70. Sites are walk-in only, a short distance from the parking area, and require no reservation. No fee. No hookups.
Finding the place takes some effort. Signage is minimal, and multiple reviewers note that GPS navigation fails to route drivers correctly, with one wrong turn leading into a private gated entrance. The access roads are rough, and the trails leading to campsites can be overgrown. Once in, though, campers report that sites are well-spaced and have been kept reasonably clean by previous visitors. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps lies a few miles northwest for those who want a more structured setup nearby.
The creek is the main draw. Rocky natural stone steps lead down to a wide, rocky streambed, and the water is accessible at multiple points along the trail. One reviewer spent two weeks here, though they noted that finding a suitable campsite required scouting the area first, since spots are not marked. Columbia Regional Airport sits roughly four to five miles away, so some overhead air traffic is audible, particularly from medical helicopters. Coopers Landing provides another option to the southwest for campers who want Missouri River access instead.
Campfires are permitted and pets are welcome. Bring a paper map or downloaded offline route, and expect muddy conditions after rain.
Description
Walk-in primitive camping is allowed year round except during modern firearms deer season. During modern firearm deer season, hunters may camp along roads and around parking lots. Camping along roads and in-and-around parking lots is otherwise prohibited. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit.
Three Creeks Conservation Area is in Boone County (halfway between Columbia and Ashland). The area takes its name from the three creeks that run through the area: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations, and old eastern red cedar trees. Three Creeks Conservation Area was considered for purchase as a result of substantial public input and interest in protecting the general Three Creeks area from further urban development, which would destroy its appearance and natural features. Moreover, Three Creeks Conservation Area was acquired to maintain and manage representative plant and animal communities and to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities in an urbanizing region of central Missouri. Much of the land in the general area was purchased by freed slaves following the Civil War. Generally, the tracts were small (usually 40 or 80 acre parcels). Land which could be seeded to pasture for grazing or plowed with a horse was farmed into the 1930's when many families could no longer support themselves on the small tracts of land. Many had to sell their property due to the economic conditions during the Depression. The reduction in the number of landowners has continued up to the present time. Seven identifiable house sites have been located on the initial 685 acres.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThree Creeks Conservation Area is located in Missouri near Ashland
Directions
From Columbia, take Highway 63 south 5 miles, then Deer Park Road west 1.75 miles.
Coordinates
38.848210692567704 N
92.28133949459715 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/1/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Three Creeks Conservation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 9 min from Columbia, MO
- 20 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 48 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 53 min from Kansas City, MO
